Letters To The Editor

Bumper Stickers Raise Ire

January 19, 1989

GOOD GOING

The Jan. 11 headline reads "Bumper sticker message lands driver $50 fine." I was elated to read that someone has at last been penalized for displaying obscene stickers on motor vehicles. Just a few days ago I had jotted down the license number of a panel truck I was forced to travel behind on Goodwin Neck Road in York County.

The vehicle not only displayed the identical sticker mentioned in the article, but two other obnoxious stickers as well. I would like to see a Virginia law prohibiting the dispay of such stickers.

Congratulations Hampton police; congratulations Judge T. H. Wilson. Keep up the good work in Hampton. Maybe other localities will follow your lead.

Bernice F. Robinson

Newport News

STOP STICKERS

As a parent, I am concerned about the abusive and obscene language on bumper stickers showing up in our area. I do not want my child or your children learning their morals and vocabulary from these gutter language bumper stickers that they cannot help but see.

I think that the problem with swear words on bumper stickers is that people take offense too easily. If they would just play it off as a joke, it wouldn't be a problem. It isn't an intentional insult; it's a joke. Everyone should just calm down and ignore them.

Eric Chadwick

Williamsburg

RESENT IT

After reading David Knight's Jan. 8 letter, "Too late," it became obvious to me that he is unable to remain within the framework of the offensive bumper sticker issue without resorting to personal insults and irrelevant generalizations.

As expressed in my Dec. 27 letter "Private messages," I do not support offensive bumper stickers on public highways; I do resent explaining mindless profanity to my children who are exposed to it while I'm driving. In other words, I respect and support the ordinance in my city that bans their display.

Since the commonwealth's attorney and Hampton Police Department regulate and support this ban also, may I safely assume you consider them to be equally "weak-minded, intolerant and lacking mental capability" because they too disagree with your absurd statement that "words are but mere symbols and by themselves are not intrinsically offensive."

If supporting this ban categories me as a person you consider weak-minded, intolerant and lacking mental capability because I do not agree with your viewpoints, I graciously accept your acknowledgment of defeat on this issue, since you are obviously incapable of defending your views without resorting to name calling and irrevelant generalizations.

Mike Sneed

Hampton

AN ATTACK

Regarding David Knight's letter, "Too late," on the Jan. 8, I couldn't help but be amused. Apparently Knight has decided that since he cannot logically justify his support for obscene bumper stickers, he will instead direct a personal attack at Mike Sneed, who disagrees with his ideas.

Throughout this controversy, the defenders of the obscene bumper stickers claim constitutional protection under the guise of free speech. This is absurd.

When interpreting the Constitution, many scholars look at original intent, and I think we can apply that in this case. I feel it's safe to say that the free speech guarantees were included in our Constitution to foster honest expressions of opinion and open political debate without fear of reprisal. While this is a broad interpretation, I'm fairly sure that most would agree with it.

If Knight really believes these stickers to be honest expressions of opinion and not just a juvenile attempt for attention, I would like to hear his justifications. I've always thought that cursing was the last resort of people unable to express themselves in a civilized manner.

Bill Wallace

Newport News

NONE SAFE

They took prayer out of public schools and the schools have gone down hill ever since. Now they want to remove any celebration of Christmas from our schools.

Hypothetically, the scenario may involve the following, too: New Year's Eve would be spent quietly at home so as not to offend the non-drinkers; Valentine's Day would be abolished as those without sweethearts may be offended; St. Patrick's Day couldn't stay because the non-Irish womuld feel left out; Easter will definitely go because it's a religious holiday; Mother's Day and Father's Day are out because the orphans will feel slighted; forget about fireworks on Independence Day. Our illegal aliens may resent the celebration; Labor Day may offend the unemployed, etc.

I am fed up with others trying to force their beliefs on my life. There are those who would abolish smoking, drinking, bumper stickers, hunting and the right to own guns. I am a former smoker, drink very little and have no bumper stickers on my car. However, I own a shotgun and I want to have the right to go out and buy another one anytime I choose. I do not expect others to stop smoking simply because I chose to do so. We have to speak up and fight for our freedoms as individuals.